Should the handbrake be applied during parallel parking?
4 Answers
After completing parallel parking, it is necessary to apply the handbrake. Below are relevant details: 1. Parallel Parking: Parallel parking is becoming increasingly common in urban areas, especially as parking spaces in formal parking lots become more scarce. Many places have designated parking spaces along the sides of streets, creating "parallel parking spots." 2. Handbrake: Officially known as the parking brake. Currently, there are mechanical and electronic types. Its function is to secure the vehicle after parking to prevent it from rolling. 3. Precautions: Shift into R gear, slowly release the clutch, and ensure the vehicle speed is very slow. When the small window of the rear door or the No. 1 marker pole (the left pole at the front of the garage) aligns with the rear wheel, press the clutch firmly, avoid braking, and do not pause for too long.
When parallel parking, I always engage the handbrake—it's a habit I've developed through years of driving experience. Parking on city streets often involves slopes or uneven surfaces, and without the handbrake, the car can easily roll. I remember once parking on a wet slope after rain; I didn’t use the handbrake, and the car nearly slid onto the sidewalk. Since then, I’ve made it a routine: once parked, I first secure the car with the handbrake before fine-tuning the angle or turning off the engine. This not only prevents minor accidents but also protects the transmission, which is especially crucial for automatic cars. New drivers, don’t skip this step—practice a few times, and you’ll find that using the handbrake makes parking steadier and safer, saving you from potential headaches. The principle of safety first never goes out of style. Parking is a skill, and a small careful action can prevent big troubles. With 20 years of driving under my belt, this simple detail has helped me handle all kinds of road conditions with ease. Build good habits—start with the basics.
When I first started learning to drive, parallel parking gave me the biggest headache, and my instructor always reminded me to pull the handbrake. He said engaging the handbrake during parking prevents the car from rolling, especially when I shift gears or adjust the steering wheel. During my practice, I noticed that pulling the handbrake after coming to a complete stop kept the car firmly in place, allowing me to focus on checking mirrors or aligning positions without worrying about scratches or bumps. It's even more noticeable with manual transmission cars—once I forgot to pull the handbrake on a flat road, and the car slightly rolled into the curb. That taught me a lesson. Pulling the handbrake takes little effort but makes a huge difference: it reduces stress and makes the whole process smoother. Developing such small habits early in the learning phase can quickly boost driving confidence. City streets are crowded, and slopes are common—don't take it lightly. Safe driving starts with attention to detail. Take it slow, try it every time you park, and soon it'll become second nature. Better control leads to a better driving experience.
I believe it's essential to engage the handbrake during parallel parking, as it prevents the vehicle from sliding on uneven surfaces. When parked on a slope or at an angle, gravity can cause the car to move, and applying the handbrake secures it in place. Failing to use the handbrake during gear shifts may result in jolts or transmission wear. My usual practice is to engage the handbrake immediately after coming to a complete stop, before turning off the engine or adjusting direction. This maintains stability and prevents minor movements that could lead to scratches or wheel rim damage. Neglecting this habit could potentially cause accidents. For automatic transmission vehicles, shifting to 'P' after applying the handbrake better protects the system. In daily driving, this small action brings peace of mind and safety. Developing this routine ensures worry-free driving. Parking isn't about luck—it's about proper execution. Technical details determine success.
